A hayride flipped over at a Halloween attraction in Mechanic Falls, Maine, on Saturday, killing one teen and injuring 22 others.
The Maine Sate Fire Marshal's office confirms one person, a 17-year-old girl, died as a result of her injuries.
They say that two others, including the driver and a teenage boy, were seriously injured; however, they are expected to survive.
In addition, 15 people were taken to Central Maine Medical Center, seven were taken to St. Mary's in Lewiston, and one person was taken to Maine Medical Center, according to the State Fire Marshal. One child was later sent to a Boston hospital for treatment, according to WCSH.
Scott Lansley, a Harvest Hill spokesperson, says the two most serious injuries were sustained by employees.
Authorities say a small jeep pulling a flatbed trailer missed a turn on a steep dirt road and jack-knifed. The jeep went off the road and the trailer hit a tree, sending riders tumbling to the ground.
Investigators say a mechanical problem with the jeep may have caused the driver to lose control. State Police will inspect the vehicle.
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The Maine State Fire Marshal is required to inspect and license mechanical amusement rides in the state, but hayrides do not require such licensing.
Lansley said Sunday morning that the operator is an experienced truck driver.
Harvest Hill Farms/Pumpkin Land posted the following message on its Facebook page around 10 p.m. Saturday night:
"Emergency crews are on-site now at our Gauntlet Night Ride as there was an accident with one of the wagons. We will keep you posted."
Around 11 p.m., the farm posted the following update:
"Emergency crews are on site and Life Flight was called in to transport those needing urgent care. The accident occurred at the Gauntlet Haunted Night ride, a separate venue from Pumpkin Land, our daytime Family Fall venue. However Pumpkin Land will be closed Sunday while authorities investigate the accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured."
Several people who were at the Halloween attraction or had loved ones there on Saturday night posted messages as well.
"My bestie and our lil girls were a few rides before this tractor. So sad," said Alexis Caron.
"My family was minutes away from this...a couple tractors ahead," said Patty Ann Keene. Thinking of everyone involved."
"My son and his pregnant girlfriend and a bunch of their friends were on that ride," said Penny Peare. "Thank God they are okay."
The Portland Fire Department posted the following message on Twitter on Saturday night:
"Thoughts and prayers with the victims, their families, and the emergency crews operating at a MCI in Mechanic Falls, ME"
Mechanic Falls is about 30 miles north of Portland.
Check back for updates.
